Friday 14 July 2023 10:30 am | Updated: Wednesday 12 July 2023 5:50 pm

Rugby World Cup Barometer: Bok winger Arendse lights up Loftus

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In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, City A.M. has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.

Player of the week:

Being a winger or full-back in South Africa is difficult, the level a player is required to be out to even get a sniff at an international match is incredible.

So for eight-cap Kurt-Lee Arendse, who started for the Springboks in their 43-12 win against Australia on Saturday, nothing short of near perfection would have done if he wanted to keep his spot.

He scored a hat-trick at Loftus Versfeld and shone throughout. Ironically, his perfect performance was not enough to keep a spot in this weekend’s squad, but there’s little doubt that a fit Arendse heads to the Rugby World Cup.

Who’s hot

Back row Marco van Staden was a stand out for South Africa in their 43-12 Rugby Championship win over Australia. He was everywhere, all of the time.
Jordie Barrett was man of the match in New Zealand’s win against Argentina and linked up with his brother Beauden to score.

Who’s not

Michael Cheika is seen as one of the world’s best coaches but Argentina hardly fired a shot in their disappointing 41-12 loss at home to New Zealand.
Tom Hooper made his debut for Australia in their loss to the Springboks last weekend. He was replaced inside the opening 40 minutes by coach Eddie Jones.